Summer Self-Care
There’s something about summer that just lends itself to more opportunities for self-care. Warmer temperatures, sunlight, longer days and holidays can put us in a different mindset and so why not take advantage of this combination and look after ourselves just that little bit more!
So let’s explore some 5 activities and habits we can undertake to promote our wellbeing this summer.
1. Get Walking
Even if the temperature may be a little cooler right now (although by the time you read this, it may have changed yet again!) it is still a good time to get into the fresh air. Make the most of walks on your lunch break and/or whilst the evenings are light, an after dinner stroll. Taking a brisk walk after meals can be a great way to support blood sugar control.
2. Morning Light
Lighter mornings can help to make those early starts much more bearable! So get outdoors as early as you can so that your eyes can receive natural light. This supports your circadian rhythm (your body clock), which can help to support your sleep cycle. Take a few minutes to have your morning hot drink outdoors. Boost your mindset by using this time for a little gratitude too. Jot down three things in a journal that you are grateful for, to help start the day on a positive and productive note.
3. Hydrate
We all hear about the importance of drinking water, and many of us probably don’t drink enough. Choose this time of year to start a healthy habit of proper hydration. The exact amount of water you need depends on body size, activity levels and temperature – but as a general rule 1.5 – 2 litres per day is a good aim.
Personally, I like to go by urine colour! A clear straw shade is ideal but be aware that vitamin B2, riboflavin may give that fluorescent yellow colour!
Hydration doesn’t just mean replacing water – but you need to replace electrolytes too. Adding sea salt to food and adding natural electrolytes to drinks can help with this. The one I particularly like is Elete electrolytes. A bottle will last you for what seems like forever!
4. Take the Plunge
Usually the only time I swim outside of a pool is when I’m on holiday in a hot country. But I’d heard so many benefits of doing it in less than hot temperatures, that I started swimming in a reservoir in Surrey earlier this year. (I highly recommend Diver’s Cove!). Not only do you have the benefits of outdoor scenery, and no chlorine to dry out your skin and hair, but there are some other pretty powerful health benefits too. According to swim.org these include: better sleep, improved mood, increased metabolism, boosted immune system and of course there are the usual benefits of cardiovascular exercise.
5. Enjoy Healthy Seasonal Summer Foods
Summer is perfect salad season! Crisp, cool salad vegetables are perfect for warmer days and seasonal berries and cherries are delicious on their own as a dessert, or as a key ingredient in healthy treats. Berries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals for healthy ageing and immunity.
Check out the recipes in the You By Anthea Together group and in the monthly newsletter for some ideas!
If work and life is a little quieter over the summer, use it as an opportunity to bring in some healthy habits and self-care rituals. And if you want to round off your summer by gaining more clarity on your health goals and taking empowered actions and commitment toward them – make sure you book your space on the Ignite Your Power September workshop!